Life in Perugia Past Review

By (Pre-Dentistry, University of the Pacific) for

Arcadia: ISI Perugia - The Umbra Institute

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot more about the world. I want to travel more abroad as much as I can.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: N/A
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Italian class was helpful, albeit it went slowly. The teachers expect people in the class to guess the answer before they will give it. It is a different way of "teaching." Some teachers graded very strictly, especially in Italian class. Some teachers were more lenient. The workload was very manageable.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was small. My expectations were basically met. They were helpful in arranging a doctor's appointment for you and going with you if you wanted a translator. They knew a lot about Italy. Most of the staff was American and could speak Italian well. It was helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The neighborhood was safe and about a 10-15 minute straight uphill climb to school and the center where the nightlife was. I did not have to buy sheets or cookware.

* Food:

The food was amazing! Eat at Pizza Mediterranea and the Accademia pastry shop on Priori.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Free pizza nights and the Amalfi coast trip was great!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The safety talk in the beginning was helpful. Just be cautious and aware and you will be fine. Bring a money belt. There were not prevalent health issues that I needed specific vaccines for.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent 40 euro every 2 weeks on groceries. Personal expenses varied depending on where I went on the weekend.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The required field trips for classes were $405!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
Language acquisition improvement?

Teachers and people in Perugia practiced Italian with me. I did need to use it everyday, but more people used English than I thought they would.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You would like this program if you really want to be immersed in real Italian culture, but still living in a "college town."